Iran Women sing Anthem after opening Match Silence
After standing in silence during their opening match against South Korea, the Iranian women’s national team sang their national anthem before kick-off against Australia at the Asian Cup.
The team did not explain the gesture publicly, though it was widely interpreted as either mourning or a quiet response to the tensions in the Middle East.
Iran striker Sara Didar became emotional when speaking before the game, saying the team’s thoughts remain with family members back home amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
Advertisement
Despite the shift in pre-match gestures, the result on the pitch proved equally difficult for Iran. Australia secured a 4–0 victory on the Gold Coast.
Head coach Marziyeh Jafari said the team is trying to remain focused on the competition despite the situation unfolding in their home country.
Iran arrived in Australia before the recent military strikes and has avoided public comment on the conflict. The team is scheduled to play all its group matches on the Gold Coast.
Advertisement
After two defeats in Group A, Iran now faces a crucial final group match against the Philippines. The team will need a victory to keep hopes alive of reaching the quarterfinals and maintaining a pathway toward qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.
The decision on whether Gin Twist forges ahead to another start or enters a spell phase hinges on her performance in a track gallop.
Lindsay Park’s two-year-old filly is a potential runner in Saturday’s Listed Redoute’s Choice Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, contingent on a satisfying showing in Monday’s gallop.
She was the hot favourite dispatched in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m) at Flemington March 28, leading early before stopping to take third.
Ben, Will and J D Hayes prepare Gin Twist, who was accounted for by more than three lengths by the Sydney mare Satono Glow.
Advertisement
Ben Hayes mentioned optimism surrounds the filly’s readiness for Saturday, as she exhibits no adverse aftereffects from the race.
“We’ll make a decision on Monday whether she runs or not after she does some work,” Hayes said.
“We feel that one, she raced a bit fresh last week and two, she didn’t handle the heavy track, but she has pulled up fine.
“It is a good opportunity for her and if she doesn’t work well, we won’t run her, but if she works well, we’ll run her.”
Advertisement
The filly had previously claimed the Listed Festival Stakes (1000m) victory at Flemington on February 28, and was next in line as third emergency for Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on March 21.
Lindsay Park refrained from interstate travel for her, aware a start was improbable.
Hayes is of the view that Gin Twist copes with 1200m and merits another attempt on a good track.
“I think she is a very fast horse, and 1200 metres is her limit,” Hayes said.
Advertisement
“But it is hard to judge her off that run over 1200 metres, which was down the straight, and on a heavy eight (track).
“We can find out if she can the trip and then we’ll know how to place her next prep.”
Secure the best value with betting sites offering markets for the Redoute’s Choice Stakes.
Liv Morgan broke character to comment on her relationship with WWE star Rhea Ripley. Both Ripley and Morgan will be challenging for major titles at WrestleMania 42.
In an interview with Esteban Ramirez, Liv Morgan broke character to comment on her relationship with Rhea Ripley. The Judgment Day star noted that she knew her former rival was going to be a star while they were in NXT together and left Ripley her locker when she got called up to the main roster.
Thanks for the submission!
Advertisement
“Rhea and I have quite a bit of lore. I remember back in the Performance Center when I saw her, I knew that she was gonna be a star. It was just very evident to me. So when I had gotten called up to the main roster, I had left Rhea my locker. I told her, ‘You can have my locker, you can move your stuff into my locker.’ She didn’t even have a locker yet,” said Morgan.
The Women’s Royal Rumble winner added that they will always be connected and compared their rivalry to Batman and The Joker.
Advertisement
“I came back on the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour and took everything that she loved including Dominik, the Judgment Day and the Women’s World Championship. So I feel like we are both the heroes and villains in each other’s stories. She is the Batman to my Joker, and I am the villain in her hero’s story, and she is the villain in my hero’s story,” she added. [H/T: WrestleTalk on X]
You can check out the interview in the video below:
Morgan will be challenging Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 42.
Liv Morgan comments on recent WWE injury
WWE RAW star Liv Morgan recently discussed her injury last year that caused her to miss several months of WWE television.
In an interview with Brad Gilmore, the 31-year-old noted that the injury was devastating for her last year as she was on an upward trajectory. The WWE veteran added that she was upset about the situation during her hiatus last year.
Advertisement
“I do feel like in the moment that I got injured, I was on a very upward trajectory. And so the injury obviously devastated me. I was very, very angry the whole entire time I had off time,” she said.
Liv Morgan says she was “angry the whole time” when she was recovering from shoulder injury: “I was mad the whole entire time,” Morgan said. “I got injured in a moment [when] I had multiple things going on for me. I was really enjoying and loving what I was doing. So to have all
Only time will tell if Liv Morgan can defeat Stephanie Vaquer to become champion once again at WWE WrestleMania.
Why did you not like this content?
Advertisement
Was this article helpful?
Thank You for feedback
Read all the hottest WWE news from Sportskeeda by choosing us as your preferred source. Click HERE.
It’s all square between Marhoona and Tempted with one victory apiece, though one will claim superiority in their first encounter since the Golden Slipper of last year on The Championships’ Day Two at Randwick.
Both coming off Group 1 triumphs, Marhoona and Tempted gear up for the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday, after juvenile meetings split by Tempted’s 2025 Reisling Stakes (1200m) win and Marhoona’s Slipper.
Still, Tempted’s placing trailing superstar Ka Ying Rising in The Everest (1200m) then Group 1 capture in the Surround Stakes (1400m) marks her as strong favourite, opposite Marhoona’s $11 quote.
Marhoona’s preparer Michael Freedman knows the size of the job but has no complaints about his filly’s form.
Advertisement
“We did beat her in the Slipper, and she beat us in the Reisling,” Freedman said of the rivalry with Tempted.
“She is obviously a very, very good filly and she will take a bit of beating here next Saturday.
“I think Marhoona is going as well as she ever has. We’ll see when barriers come out, that can play a part, but she is in good order.
“Zac Lloyd has picked up the ride on her.”
Advertisement
Marhoona put paid to any Golden Slipper legacy issues last time, upsetting hardened sprinters for The Galaxy (1100m) success at Rosehill.
The trainer described the result as proof of her resilience and fight, praising the youngster’s record in minimal outings.
“She is such a tough, game filly. She’s not overly big, but she hates getting beaten,” he said.
“It was a big thrill to come out and win a race like that with her after winning the Slipper.
Advertisement
“She won a Listed in the spring as a three-year-old, so it’s great credit to her. She’s only had eight lifetime starts and she has won two Group Ones.”
Pallaton from the same barn could enter the Arrowfield, fitted with blinkers post his colt-like display finishing out of contention in the Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m).
The stable will watch Profoundly, Saturday’s Adrian Knox Stakes champ, for her shot at the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) barring any issues this week.
Visit leading betting sites to find the top racing betting markets ahead of the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint.
Apr 5, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Michigan head coach Dusty May informed Michigan officials that he would not take part as a candidate in North Carolina’s coaching search — nor any other — ESPN reported on Sunday.
May, 49, has guided the Wolverines to the NCAA Championship Game in his second season in Ann Arbor. A year after he took them to the Sweet 16, May has the Wolverines sitting at 36-3 ahead of Monday’s championship matchup with UConn.
The Tarheels have been in pursuit of a new coach since firing Hubert Davis on March 24. The school is now facing a looming deadline of sorts with the transfer portal opening on Tuesday, yet it has also been doing due diligence with coaches still in the tournament.
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd had been squarely in North Carolina’s sights until Friday, when Lloyd was given a significant contract extension to remain with the Wildcats. That provoked speculation that the Tarheels could turn their attention to another Final Four coach.
Advertisement
As Lloyd’s new deal became public, May — whose buyout is $7 million — also addressed job rumors on Friday, reiterating his commitment to Michigan.
“After last year, I decided that I’ll never, ever respond to any job speculation,” May said. “I think it’s well-documented how happy I am at Michigan. Obviously, my private life, my personal life, my family, their happiness is very important.”
Interestingly, Lloyd and May squared off on Saturday, with May’s Wolverines winning a one-sided affair, 91-73.
North Carolina finished 24-9 with a first-round exit in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger and Alabama’s Nate Oats have also publicly taken themselves out of the running in recent days. Other reported candidates include the Chicago Bulls’ Billy Donovan and Vanderbilt’s Mark Byington, among others.
Manchester United have been handed an injury boost ahead of the Premier League clash against Leeds United.
Manchester United have been handed an injury boost ahead of their return to Premier League action next week. After the international break and FA Cup action, United are back in action next Monday when they host rivals Leeds United.
United were last in action on Friday, 20 March, when they had to settle for a point from a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. That result left United in third place in the Premier League table, one point above Aston Villa in fourth.
Advertisement
The match against Bournemouth also saw Harry Maguire shown a red card, meaning that he will be suspended for the match vs Leeds.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
The extra break has given some members of the United squad extra time to recover from any bumps, bruises or injuries. With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest from the United treatment room.
Patrick Dorgu
Injury: Hamstring
Advertisement
The full-back has missed the last eight Premier League games due to a hamstring injury sustained in the closing stages of the clash against Arsenal. He is now back doing individual work on the grass as he steps up his recovery from the injury.
Potential return date: Vs Liverpool (H), Sunday, 3 May
Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April
Benjamin Sesko
Injury: Knock
Like Mbeumo, Sesko pulled out of international duty over the break. The striker has been dealing with a fitness concern over the last few weeks, but should be able to feature for United against Leeds.
Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April
Advertisement
Lisandro Martinez
Injury: Calf
The centre-back has missed the last five Premier League games due to the injury, but is closing in on a comeback.
What has been said: “[Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer. He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright.”
Advertisement
Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April
Matthijs de Ligt
Injury: Back
The defender has been out of action since November due to a back injury.
What has been said: “He’s obviously trying to work to get back but it’s just the back issue, really, that’s proving difficult. We’ll keep working as hard as we can, to get him back as quickly as we can.”
Advertisement
Potential return date: Unknown
Up to 70% off Man United kits and merch
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar etched his name into the record books on Sunday as he became only the second bowler and the first fast bowler to take 200 wickets in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Bhuvneshwar achieved the milestone by dismissing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ayush Mhatre during their IPL 2026 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The seasoned campaigner, now the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, joined fellow Indian and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in the exclusive 200-wicket club. Bhuvneshwar’s tally now stands at 200 wickets in 192 matches, at an average of 27.25. Chahal leads the charts with 224 wickets in 176 matches at an average of 22.68, while Sunil Narine sits third with 193 wickets from 191 matches.
Bhuvneshwar reached the landmark in style, troubling Mhatre with a hard-length delivery outside the off stump that rose sharply. Attempting a pull shot, Mhatre was cramped for room and mistimed the stroke, sending the ball looping towards mid-off, where RCB skipper Rajat Patidar completed a simple catch.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
India Golf Premier League Unveils Squads For 10 Franchises Ahead Of Season Two
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) throws to first for the out against Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias (13) during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Dodgers put Mookie Betts on the 10-day injured list on Sunday after an MRI verified an oblique strain.
Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Betts could be sidelined four to six weeks, but he anticipated time missed being on the lower side.
Betts exited in the middle of the first inning on Saturday during the Dodgers’ 10-5 win against the Washington Nationals, with right lower back pain cited as the reason.
He was replaced by Miguel Rojas, who will bat second for the Dodgers against the Nationals on Sunday.
Advertisement
In a corresponding move, Los Angeles called up infielder Hyeseong Kim from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He played in 71 games and hit .280 for the Dodgers last season but didn’t make the club out of spring training. In six games at Oklahoma City, he is hitting .346 (9-for-26).
He could see some time at shortstop as well.
After posting a career-low .258 batting average last season, Betts — a former American League batting champion — is off to a slow start at the plate. The 33-year-old is batting just .179 (5-for-28), but he does have two homers and seven RBIs in eight games.
Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva has been wished a ‘good farewell’ by assistant Pep Lijnders as he nears the end of his contract.
22:30, 05 Apr 2026Updated 22:38, 05 Apr 2026
Advertisement
Bernardo Silva is set to leave Manchester City this summer when his contract expires. Assistant manager Pep Lijnders told fans to savour the ‘last six weeks’ of a phenomenal nine years at the Etihad.
Silva revealed back in October that he already knew what his future held beyond this season, but that it wasn’t the time to announce it. There have still not been any official statements from the player or the club, but Lijnders was clear after the 4-0 win over Liverpool when he was asked about Silva’s irreplaceable quality.
“You never replace a player with the same kind of player because they don’t exist. Bernardo Silva is unique,” the City assistant said. “The way he controls games, the way he moves, the way he receives, the way he leads, the way he sees the solutions. All these things.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our City WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our City Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
Advertisement
“You never search for a replacement of one type of player. You search for what is needed to grow with the team and somebody who can fit in the first XI. And then you hope, with our academy, with the young players we already bought that they can make that step as well in the midfield positions.
“If you see our young boys in the academy, then they have to make that step and to grow. But the most important is that the seniors who stay for a long time, that they stay, that they stay, that they stay. That they are always there and, around that, you can move.
“But it will be hard because, as I said, in the game, when he is not playing you will see how he is missed and that’s one game. Imagine a season. But every good story comes to an end, and I hope he enjoys the last months – there are only six weeks – and has a good farewell. He deserves all that attention as well.”
Barring a dramatic U-turn, Silva will leave City as one of their most decorated and greatest ever players. The Portugal international has won six Premier Leagues, a Champions League, two FA Cups and five Carabao Cups in nine glorious years at the Etihad.
Advertisement
As well as being the player Pep Guardiola has used the most in his managerial career in 450 appearances for City that will see him eighth in the all-time list for the club, Silva has led by example as club captain this year to restore standards that had dropped off last season. The 31-year-old lifted the Carabao Cup at Wembley last month and could yet win the Premier League and FA Cup again this year.
He has long talked about a return to boyhood club Benfica at some point in his career, although Barcelona and Juventus are also interested in signing him on a free transfer this summer. Wherever he goes, he will forever be loved at City.
Apr 4, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy reacts against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The New York Islanders fired Hall of Famer Patrick Roy as the team’s head coach Sunday and replaced him with Peter DeBoer.
The Islanders (42-31-5, 89 points) have lost a season-high four in a row and reside in third place in the Metropolitan Division, one point ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets. New York is idle until Thursday, when they’ll host the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Roy, 60, posted a 97-78-22 record in three seasons since taking over for Lane Lambert as coach of the Islanders.
DeBoer, 57, guided the Dallas Stars to the Western Conference final in three straight seasons before being fired by the team on June 6. He posted a 149-68-29 record with Dallas.
Advertisement
DeBoer has a 662-447-152 coaching record with the Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, Golden Knights and Stars. He guided the Devils to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012 and the Sharks to the finals in 2016.
Roy was a four-time Stanley Cup champion and a three-time Vezina Trophy recipient during his playing days.
He is the fourth coach to be fired this season. Rick Bowness replaced Dean Evason in Columbus on Jan. 12, D.J. Smith took over from Jim Hiller in Los Angeles on March 1 and John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy with Vegas on March 29.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley was disappointed how the Gamecocks’ season ended on Sunday afternoon in Phoenix, a 79-51 loss to the UCLA Bruins in the national championship game.
During her post-game interview, Staley was asked about what happened in the Gamecocks’ prior Final Four matchup against UConn, where she and head coach Geno Auriemma had a tense exchange after South Carolina advanced to the title game for the third year in a row.
Rather than hash out more of her thoughts, Staley had a classy response.
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks watches during the first half of the NCAA women’s basketball championship game against the UCLA Bruins at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 5, 2026.(Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos)
“I don’t want – this is UCLA’s day, right? Let’s keep it UCLA, them winning the national championship,” Staley told reporters, via The Athletic. “… We’re not going to damper UCLA’s day with it.”
Before this national title contest, Staley was spotted having a cordial experience greeting UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close — a much different experience than how Friday night ended with Auriemma.
After the Gamecocks defeated the Huskies, Staley and Auriemma went viral with their interaction at midcourt, where Auriemma appeared to enrage Staley before walking off.
This time, Staley and Close hugged and shared a few words. During the exchange, Staley “looked around afterward like, ‘see??’”, per NBC Sports.
Staley was showing a bit of sarcasm, as she noted Auriemma didn’t shake her hand before the Final Four tipped off between the two teams on Friday night.
After the Gamecocks’ victory over the Huskies, Staley was asked what exactly happened with Auriemma, though she tried to explain her focus in helping her team lock in for the national title game. If they won, it would’ve been the fourth national championship in the last 10 years for South Carolina.
Advertisement
Head coach Cori Close of the UCLA Bruins watches during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA women’s basketball national championship at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 5, 2026.(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“For me, no distractions at this time. I’m concentrating on winning a national championship, that’s it,” Staley said at the time. “That’s a little disheartening. This is sports, sometimes things like this happen. Continue to focus on my team and ability to advance in this tournament and hopefully win another national championship.”
“There’s no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina. It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut,” the Hall of Fame coach said in a statement on Saturday. “I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don’t want my actions to detract from that. I’ve had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them.”
Advertisement
Staley added she had “no idea” why Auriemma was angry after the game, though she guessed perhaps he was ticked off by the lack of handshake before the game on his own end. Either way, Staley was moving forward.
UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close shakes hands with South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley after defeating South Carolina 79-51 in the NCAA women’s championship game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 4, 2026.(Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times)
“I don’t know what he came with after the game, but, hey, sometimes things get heated. We move on,” she said.
For UCLA, it was the first time the women’s basketball program has won the national title, as their emotional celebration ensued following the game in Phoenix.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login